What is faith? Pronunciation and usage in English

faith means . Learn how to pronounce and use faith through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of faith

faithnoun

/feɪθ/
Definition & pronunciation of faith

The word "faith" in English is pronounced fayth.

Here's a breakdown:

  • f - Like the letter "f"
  • a - Like the "a" in "father"
  • i - Like the "i" in "bit"
  • th - Pronounced as a single sound, similar to the "th" in "think"

Tips for saying it correctly:

  • Don't overemphasize the "th." It's a softer "th" sound.
  • Keep it relatively short and clipped.

You can hear it pronounced correctly on websites like:

Would you like to hear me say it?

Usage and examples with the word faith in English

Let's break down how to use the word "faith" in English. It's a surprisingly complex word with multiple layers of meaning! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Religious Faith (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most common understanding of “faith.” It refers to a belief in a god or gods, or in a religious system of beliefs and practices. It’s often accompanied by trust and commitment.
  • Examples:
    • "She has a strong faith in God." (Belief in God)
    • "His faith helped him through a difficult time." (Trust in God’s plan)
    • “The church is built on the faith of its members.” (Belief and commitment to a religion)
    • "He lost his faith after a traumatic event." (A weakening or abandonment of religious belief)

2. General Trust and Confidence

  • Definition: "Faith" can also mean general trust and confidence in someone or something—not necessarily religious. It’s a belief that something will happen or someone will be reliable.
  • Examples:
    • "I have faith in you to finish the project on time." (Trust in someone's ability)
    • "She placed her faith in the doctor’s expertise." (Trust in the doctor’s skill)
    • "He showed faith in the new strategy." (Belief that the strategy will work)
    • "She was putting her faith in luck." (Believing luck will provide a good outcome)

3. Persistence and Determination (Figurative Use)

  • Definition: "Faith" can be used metaphorically to describe the perseverance and determination to achieve something, even when it's difficult. It’s about holding onto a belief in your ability to succeed.
  • Examples:
    • "It took a lot of faith to start her own business." (Persistence and belief in herself)
    • "He had the faith to overcome his illness." (Determination to recover)
    • “She had faith that she’d eventually find the right partner.” (Belief and commitment to finding a partner)

4. Faithfulness and Loyalty

  • Definition: This refers to loyal devotion or commitment to a person, cause, or principle.
  • Examples:
    • “She showed unwavering faith to her family.” (Loyal devotion)
    • “His faith in the values of democracy never wavered.” (Commitment to principles)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • "Have faith” vs. “Place faith”: Both are common. “Have faith” emphasizes an internal state of belief. “Place faith” highlights the act of trusting someone or something.
  • “Faithful” vs. “Faith”: These are related, but different. “Faithful” describes someone who is consistent and reliable (e.g., “a faithful friend”). "Faith" is the belief itself.
  • Strong vs. Weak Faith: “Strong faith” implies a deep, resolute belief. “Weak faith” suggests a dwindling or uncertain belief.

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Category Definition Example
Religious Faith Belief in a god or religion “She has faith in God.”
General Trust Confidence in someone/something “I have faith in you.”
Persistence Determination to succeed “It took faith to start the business.”
Faithfulness Loyal devotion “He was a faithful husband.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "faith"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, an essay?)
  • What specific meaning are you aiming for?

Synonyms for the word faith

Idioms of the word faith

break/keep faith with somebody
to break/keep a promise that you have made to somebody; to stop/continue supporting somebody
  • As club manager he was not prepared to keep faith with the players who had failed him.
in bad faith
knowing that what you are doing is wrong
  • They had entered into the contract in bad faith.
in good faith
believing that what you are doing is right; believing that something is correct
  • We printed the report in good faith but have now learnt that it was incorrect.
  • He bought the painting in good faith (= he did not know that it had been stolen).
a leap of faith
a belief in something that is not known or has not been done before
  • These reforms are totally untested and will require a leap of faith on the part of teachers.
pin your faith on somebody/something
to rely on somebody/something completely for success or help
  • She did not pin much faith on their chances of success.

Comment ()